Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW)

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​LET'S GET OUTDOORS!

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program (BOW) is an international program sponsored in part by the KDFWR and other partners including Kentucky State Parks and the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation. BOW is designed primarily for adult age women interested in building confidence and outdoor skills relevant in hunting and shooting sports.​

Workshops range from 1-3 day events and are held at various locations across Kentucky. Come find out why thousands of women have already participated in this unique opportunity to learn more about hunting and shooting sports, and wildlife-related adventures in the Bluegrass State!

The BOW workshops are for you if...

• You have never tried these activities, but have hoped for an opportunity to learn.
  
• You are a beginner who hopes to improve your skills.
• You know how to do some of these activities, but would like to try your hand at some new ones.
• You are just looking for the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.

Some of the classes held at most workshops are...

Conducted by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the Department of Parks, the Cooperative Extension Service, and the University of Kentucky.

2026 Upcoming Events​

​ ​

​ ​Beyo​nd BOW - Land Navigation & Map Reading Class​​

• ​Date: ​​Saturday, March 21, 2026, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Eastern)
  
• Location: KDFWR Headquarters, 1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601 
  
• Cost: ​Free
  
• Contact: Megan Bagby, ​ megan.bagby​@ky.gov | (502) 401-6101
  

Back by popular demand! Our Fall BOW favorite is back, and you won’t want to miss it.

Learn to confidently find your way—no phone needed! This hands-on class covers:

•    Map reading made simple.
•     Compass skills that actually work.
  
• ​    Essential navigation gear.
• ​​​​​     Real-world techniques for when cell service disappears.

Class Schedule (Two-Part Course):

• Part I: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Part II: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM (includes a fun field activity!)

​​Registration opens Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Noon.​​

​Annie Oakley Day - Beyond BOW Event

​ Date: June 20, 2026​ - 8am-noon (Eastern)
Location: Fern Creek Sportsman's Club, Louisville Kentucky
Cost: Free, Participants need a valid KY Fishing License

Hosted by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and Fern Creek Sportsmen's Club, this will be an unintimidating and informative introduction to fishing, archery, basic rifles (.22 caliber), and shotguns. This event is design for ladies to gain confidence with firearms in a safe environment surrounded by other like-minded individuals!

In this event you will learn more about:

This event is open to all women 18 years and ol​​der. Participants who are 16 or 17 years of age can attend and register for the event, but they must attend and register with a female attendee who is at least 18 years and older.

The event is free to attend but participants must have a valid fishing license at the day of the event! A hunting or ​fishing license can be purchased on our ​ License and Permit Fees page. 

Find us on Facebook!  

Registration is now full. Please sign up for our waitlist.​

Fall BOW Weekend Workshop

Our Annual BOW Weekend is now happening at Camp Wallace on August 21-23!​

Participants can sleep in a bunkhouse or bring their own tent/hammock. Ev​eryone has access to use the bathhouses. A registration link will be posted on this website, posted on our Facebook page (@kentuckybow) and sent out in our email list.​​​ Mark your calendars and get​ ready for another incredible weekend of outdoor adventure, skill-building, and fun! ​

​ ​BOW Mentor Hunt - October 24-25​​

• ​Date: ​​Oct. 24-25, 2026
  
• Location: Camp Wallace, 103 Camp Earl Wallace Road, Monticello, KY 42633​
  
• Cost: ​Free
  
• Contact: Megan Bagby, ​ megan.bagby​@ky.gov | (502) 401-6101
  

This overnight weekend event will begin Saturday and conclude Sunday. Participants will enjoy range time, Hunting 101 and squirrel-focused instruction, evening hunt planning and assignments, and a Sunday morning hunt. We are also working to include a special squirrel dog demonstration as part of the educational experience.

More details and registration information coming soon — mark your calendars!